JOLIET - University of St. Francis compiled a team score of 297 but finished five strokes behind champion North Park University and tied for fifth place in the Saints' own men's golf St. Francis Fall Classic at Wedgewood Golf Course Tuesday afternoon.
USF juniors Grant Whybark (Morris H.S./Morris, IL) and Drew Anderson (Lockport H.S./Lockport, IL) recorded 1-over par rounds of 73 to lead the USF effort. Junior Steve Wojcik (Andrew H.S./Tinley Park, IL) was just two strokes behind his teammates at 75 and senior Pat Fitzgerald (Homewood-Flossmoor H.S./Flossmoor, IL) rounded out the Saints' scoring with a 76. Sophomore transfer Josh Gorsney (Yorkville H.S./Elmhurst College/Yorkville, IL) posted an 83 which did not count in the Saints' team score.
USF also entered two other teams in the 18-hole tournament. The Saints' second team tied for 11th at 311 and the third squad finished 15th with a team score of 317. Junior Mike Mysker (Andrew H.S./Tinley Park, IL) led the second team with a 76 and senior Brian Komp (Joliet Township H.S./Joliet, IL) paced the third group with a 75.
North Park, an NCAA Division III school from Chicago, established a school record with its team score of 292. The Vikings finished one stroke ahead of Holy Cross College (IN) and Carthage University's (WI) junior varsity squad which each posted scores of 293. Elmhurst College finished fourth at 294 and USF tied with Calumet College of St. Joseph (IN) for fifth at 297.
North Park's Martin Carlsson and Tyler Alge of Holy Cross each fired low rounds of 3-under par 69 and Carlsson was declared the medalist in a scorecard playoff.
The Saints travel to La Salle this Friday and Saturday to play in the Illinois Valley Community College Invitational at Senica's Oak Ridge Golf Club.
